Team BLAZE given opportunity to explore variety of airframes during fly-in

By Airman Davis Donaldson, 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs / Published December 11, 2019

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Four Airmen walk in front of a C-17 Globemaster III Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The C-17 measures 174 feet long (53 meters) with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters). (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Airmen line up to view the interior of an F-16 Fighting Falcon Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the F-16 has been a major component of the combat forces committed to the war on terrorism flying thousands of sorties in support of operations Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense), Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Two Airmen walk toward a group being briefed on the capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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An Airman examines the interior of an F-16 Fighting Falcon Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Airmen walk under the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Airmen talk with a member of the aircrew of a C-17 Globemaster III Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The aircraft is operated by a crew of three Airmen (pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster), reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Airmen discuss the capabilities of the C-146 Wolfhound Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The C-146A Wolfhound’s primary mission is to provide U.S. Special Operations Command flexible, responsive and operational movement of small teams needed in support of Theater Special Operations Commands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

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Airmen listen to a capability briefing on the U-28 Dec. 10, 2019, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The U-28 provides manned fixed-wing tactical airborne ISR support to humanitarian operations, search and rescue and conventional and special operation missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Davis Donaldson)

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Airmen from several major commands flew in a variety of aircraft to Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Dec. 10 to show and inform members of Team BLAZE about their missions.

The exhibition started at 11:30 a.m. on the SAC Ramp with static displays. The event was open to all of Team BLAZE and their families, but provided an opportunity for student pilots to check out and engage with potential aircraft they could one day be assigned to fly.

Second Lt. Connor Hari, a future student pilot, attended the fly-in. Hari said he gained more intuition than he thought he would.

“It was super cool,” said Hari. “I was honestly surprised how many planes were out there. It definitely gave me a lot of insight and will help me choose an aircraft when the time comes.”

As Airmen arrived to observe and tour the different displays, aircrews stayed nearby to answer questions about capabilities and history of the aircraft.

Capt. Joe Barton, 14th Operations Group Commander’s Action Group, assisted in the coordination of the event and talked about its significance for Columbus AFB.

“By doing these events and bringing these planes in, the whole base gets to see what’s going on in the Air Force and the fruits of their labor,” Barton said.

Barton later said the visit was not only for the student pilots to grasp a better understanding of various aircraft. He said he wanted other Airmen, civilians and families to connect and realize they are a part of Team BLAZE as well.

Some of the aircraft on display included F-16 Fighting Falcons, a C-17 Globemaster III, an A-10 Thunderbolt, a U-28, plus many more.

Capability briefings at the Columbus Club followed the static display presentations. Attendees got an in-depth brief about each aircraft’s intent, its abilities and mission.